Excitement as statue unveiled in Rathdrum

Nora Byrne and her dog Hank had the best seat in the house as the sculpture was officially unveiled by (from left) Cllr Pat Kennedy, Cllr Tommy Annesley and sculptor Ellie McNamaraCllr Pat Kennedy, Cllr TommyAnnesley, cathaoirleach of Arklow Municipal District, sculptor Ellie McNamara, members of Wicklow County Council, local schoolchildren and residents at the official unveiling of the ‘Farmer and his Dog’ sculpture in Rathdrum’s Market Square last Wednesday

There was great excitement in Rathdrum on Wednesday as the Market Square's new bronze sculpture was officially unveiled.

'The farmer and his dog' statue, which was commissioned by Wicklow County Council and created by local artist Ellie McNamara, is already a welcome addition to the town centre but all those involved, including the local schoolchildren who contributed to the design concept, enjoyed taking the opportunity to formally celebrate its presence.

Cathaoirleach of Arklow Municipal District Tommy Annesley had the honour of formally unveiling the artwork and paid tribute to everyone who brought it to fruition. He also outlined that the funding was granted under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.

Speaking at the unveiling, Cllr Pat Kennedy thanked Ms McNamara and the schoolchildren for their wonderful work and also Wicklow County Council and Arklow Municipal District staff who supported the project. He said that the addition marks a the start of a new beginning for Rathdrum.

'I want to thank all of the organisations within the town for their encouragement and support when we were applying for this funding. This sculpture marks the beginning of what will hopefully be a new breath of life into our town while preserving the memories and heritage of that which came before. Our town of the past and our town of the future will be different towns. The sculpture will sit at the entrance to what will be a rejuvenated centre of Rathdrum,' he said. He also said that the future is bright for the community.

'Morgan's pub behind me is to be redeveloped as a new home for the Credit Union. The new Primary Care Centre will also be built behind us to provide a single point of contact to the healthcare system with access to GPs, Public Health Nurses and a range of other services, all catered for by a new car park with provision for 70 car parking spaces. While this all heralds a new beginning for Rathdrum, this sculpture will stand as a testament to Rathdrum's past and a reminder to all of us of our history as a market town and a centre of commerce,' he said. Following the ceremony, the children were delighted to be treated to an ice cream, served fresh from the Le Creme van in the newly adorned Market Square.